Music Course Strikes a Chord with James

Pearson BTEC HND in Music student James Porter (20), from Newtownards, has discovered a pathway to a career he is passionate about while studying at SERC.

Shortly after beginning a criminology course at university, James realised that the course wasn’t for him, and he decided to leave. He then did online research for courses in areas that interested him and found the Pearson BTEC HND in Music at SERC. James decided SERC was right for him, having witnessed his brother become more confident during his time at the college. 

James comments, “I’m doing the production pathway of the course, so we learn about music systems programming, mixing and mastering sound, how to effectively use sound recording technology, and sound engineering. I’d say for my pathway a big focus is on live music, which involves learning a lot about tracking live instruments and learning how to set up microphones and other equipment for people to perform with.    

“The people really make the course, especially with a subject like music where we need to work together on certain projects; it’s a great environment for teamwork. The building we learn in, SERC SPACE Bangor Campus, gives us so much room for creativity, especially with all the modern equipment available to us; from the instruments to the recording studio and postproduction software, it's all amazing to work with. 

“This course will open you up to lots of different genres of music, it’s eye-opening – music sounds more alive when I listen to it now because I’m more aware of the choices the people behind the music have made in creating the sound.” 

On his plans after his course, James says, “I would like to go back to university to study music after my HND and get a degree, with the long-term goal of becoming an audio engineer; my current course is preparing me really well for that.” 

James concludes, “I would recommend this course to anyone thinking of taking their knowledge of music to the next level. It's a great pathway to a career in music and I’m excited to see where it takes me.” 

SERC offers real learning for real life. Applications are still open, and places are still available on some courses commencing September 2025.